ADAPTABLE SOCCER PRACTICE ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

An adaptable soccer practice assistive device, comprises of a platform 101 that is positioned on a ground surface, a touch interactive display panel 102 for activating/de-activating device, a communication module is accessed by a user for providing input regarding angles at which soccer is to be practiced, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 determine positioning of user with respect to platform 101, an angle sensor monitors angle of user with respect to platform 101, a motorized grid shaped sliding unit 104 with an inverted U-shaped structure 105 translate structure 105 along sliding unit 104 at user-specified orientation with respect to user, a panel 108 is established in front of user, a linear actuator 106 position panel 108 at user-specified orientation, and a speaker 107 notifies user regarding preciseness of strike scored by user.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adaptable soccer practice assistive device that provides an assistive means to the user for practicing soccer at a user-desired angle, thereby allowing the user to improve the performance in soccer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Every sport require practice in order to play that sport properly. Different sports require different training according to the need of the sport. Nowadays sport is played professionally at competition level that increases the need of proper training in the sport to beat the opponent. Football is played at many levels from national level to franchise level that increases the demand for properly trained players in order to perform best in the matches. Players uses various methods or ways to train themselves.

[0003] Generally, the training of football is done in a group that also fosters feeling of team in player also players help in training to each other due to the need of players. However, this method is not efficient as well as inefficient as requirement of another person is needed during the training.

[0004] US3999755A discloses about an invention that provides an athletic training device for training football players. The device comprises a pair of spaced opposed upper rails and a pair of spaced opposed lower rails defining a passage way through which a football player can run. On each rail are mounted a plurality of ring-like resilient, resister members extending laterally inwardly toward each other to provide barriers to resist the movement of the player through the passageway. The arcuate resister members are comprised of automobile tires and are spaced in a horizontally extending, staggered relationship. The rails are supported by a framework. In addition, a boom element may be rigidly affixed to the frame, extending laterally outwardly thereof to provide a support for a suspended tackling dummy or the like.

[0005] WO2006072139A1 discloses a ball retaining means of a sports training apparatus including a tethering line at one end secured to a stationary anchor point, the ball retaining means being adapted to releasably retain a ball and connect at an opposite end of the tethering line. The tethering line is at least in part fabricated of an elastic material.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of assisting a user in football training. However, these devices are incapable of assisting a user in practicing soccer at a user-desired angle, disabling the user to improve the performance in soccer. Additionally, these devices fail to allow the user to practice football alone without help of any other person.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of assisting a user in practicing soccer at a user-desired angle, thereby allowing the user to improve the performance in soccer. In addition, the proposed equipment is capable of allowing the user to practice the football without the help of any other person.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of assisting a user in practicing soccer at a user-desired angle, thereby allowing the user to improve the performance in soccer.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of determining preciseness of strike scored by the user and accordingly provide means to the user for notifying the user regarding preciseness of the strike scored by the user.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of determining velocity of ball with respect to the platform and accordingly provide means to the user for notifying the user regarding the same.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an adaptable soccer practice assistive device that assists a user in practicing soccer at a user-desired angle, thereby allowing the user to improve the performance in soccer.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adaptable soccer practice assistive device, comprises of a platform that is positioned on a ground surface, a touch interactive display panel arranged on the platform that is accessed by a user for activating/de-activating the device, a communication module integrated with an inbuilt microcontroller for establishing a wireless connection between the microcontroller and a computing unit that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding angles at which soccer is to be practiced, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the platform to determine positioning of the user with respect to the platform, an angle sensor integrated on the platform for monitoring angle of the user with respect to the platform, a motorized grid shaped sliding unit is integrated on the platform and mounted with an inverted u-shaped structure that is actuated by the microcontroller to translate the structure along the sliding unit at the user-specified orientation with respect to the user, a panel arranged on top portion of the structure is established in front of the user, a linear actuator integrated in the structure for positioning the panel at the user-specified orientation with respect to the user, the panel is integrated with a stretchable fabric over which the user strikes a soccer ball, and a speaker arranged on the platform is actuated by the microcontroller to produce audio notification for the user regarding preciseness of strike scored by the user.

[0015] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an adaptable soccer practice assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0018] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0019] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0020] The present invention relates to an adaptable soccer practice assistive device that provides an assisting means to a user for practicing soccer at a user-desired angle, thereby allowing the user to improve the performance in soccer.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of an adaptable soccer practice assistive device is illustrated, comprising a platform 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface, a touch interactive display panel 102 arranged on the platform 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the platform 101, a motorized grid shaped sliding unit 104 integrated on the platform 101 and mounted with an inverted U-shaped structure 105, a panel 108 arranged on top portion of the structure 105, a linear actuator 106 integrated in the structure 105, the panel 108 is integrated with a stretchable fabric 109 and a speaker 107 arranged on the platform 101.

[0022] The device disclosed herein includes a platform 101 that is developed to be positioned on a ground surface. The platform 101 is rectangular in shape, made up of stainless steel that offers corrosion resistance, strength and durability to the device and is easy to maintain.

[0023] Upon positioning the platform 101 on the ground surface, a touch interactive display panel 102 arranged on the platform 101 is accessed by a user for activating/de-activating the device. The touch interactive display panel 102 as mentioned herein is typically an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen that presents output in a visible form. The screen is equipped with touch-sensitive technology, allowing the user to interact directly with the display using their fingers. A touch controller IC (Integrated Circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user inputs details regarding activating/de-activating the device. A touch controller is typically connected to an inbuilt microcontroller embedded within the platform 101 through various interfaces which may include but are not limited to SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit).

[0024] Upon activation of the device based on the input command from the user, a communication module is integrated with the microcontroller for establishing a wireless connection between the microcontroller and a computing unit that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding angles at which soccer is to be practiced. The computing unit is linked with the microcontroller via an integrated communication module that includes but is not limited to a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module which is capable of establishing a wireless network between the microcontroller and the computing unit for providing input regarding angles at which soccer is to be practiced.

[0025] Based on the input command from the user, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 is installed on the platform 101 is activated by the microcontroller for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the platform 101. The imaging unit 103 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the surroundings around the platform 101, and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 103 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 103 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received data and determines positioning of the user with respect to the platform 101.

[0026] Based on the determined positioning of the user with respect to the platform 101, an angle sensor integrated on the platform 101 monitors angle of the user with respect to the platform 101 in synced with the imaging unit 103. The angle sensor used herein is preferably an optical angle sensor that use light beams and optical detectors to measure changes in light reflection or transmission caused by the angle of the user with respect to the platform 101. As the angle changes, the amount of light reflected or transmitted varies, allowing the sensor to calculate the angle. The angle sensor provides an output signal to the microcontroller that represents the detected angle of the user with respect to the platform 101.

[0027] Based on the detected angle of the user with respect to the platform 101, a motorized grid shaped sliding unit 104 integrated on the platform 101 and mounted with an inverted U-shaped structure 105 is actuated by the microcontroller to translate the structure 105 along the sliding unit 104 at the user-specified orientation with respect to the user. The grid shaped sliding unit 104 consists of a pair of sliding rails in a grid pattern fabric 109ated with grooves in which the wheel of a slider is positioned that is further connected with a bi-directional motor via a shaft. The microcontroller actuates the bi-directional motor to rotate in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction that aids in the rotation of the shaft, wherein the shaft converts the electrical energy into rotational energy for allowing movement of the wheel to translate over the sliding rail by a firm grip on the grooves. The movement of the sliding unit 104 results in the translation of the U-shaped structure 105 over the platform 101 at the user-specified orientation with respect to the user.

[0028] Further, a panel 108 arranged on top portion of the structure 105 is established in front of the user. A linear actuator 106 integrated in the structure 105 is activated by the microcontroller to extend/retract for positioning the panel 108 at the user-specified orientation with respect to the user. The linear actuator 106 converts the rotational motion into linear motion (in a straight line). The linear actuator 106 involves lead screw's threads that act as a continuous ramp which allows a small rotating force to be applied over a long distance to move a large load over a short distance, wherein the actuator 106 has a switch to reverse the polarity of the motor which makes the actuator 106 change the motion for positioning the panel 108 at the user-specified orientation with respect to the user, wherein the panel 108 is integrated with a stretchable fabric 109 over which the user strikes a soccer ball.

[0029] Upon the user strikes a soccer ball over the stretchable fabric 109, an accelerometer arranged on the platform 101 determines velocity of ball with respect to the platform 101 in sync with the imaging unit 103. The accelerometer used herein, is a sensor that measures the vibration, or acceleration of motion of ball with respect to the platform 101. The force caused by vibration or a change in motion (acceleration) causes the structure 105 to "squeeze" the piezoelectric material which produces an electrical charge that is proportional to the force exerted upon the striking the structure 105. The signal is sent to the microcontroller for further processing in order to monitor velocity of ball with respect to the platform 101.

[0030] A speaker 107 arranged on the platform 101 is actuated by the microcontroller to produce audio notification for the user regarding preciseness of strike scored by the user. The speaker 107 works by receiving signals from the microcontroller, converting them into sound waves through a diaphragm's vibration, and producing audible sounds with the help of amplification and control circuitry in order to notify the user regarding preciseness of strike scored by the user. The details regarding the strike is notified to the user via the computing unit in order to allow the user to improve the user's performance in soccer.

[0031] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0032] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the platform 101 as disclosed in the invention is developed to be positioned on the ground surface. Upon positioning the platform 101 on the ground surface, the touch interactive display panel 102 is accessed by the user for activating/de-activating the device. Upon activation of the device based on the input command from the user, the communication module is accessed by the user for providing input regarding angles at which soccer is to be practiced. Based on the input command from the user, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 is activated by the microcontroller to determine positioning of the user with respect to the platform 101. Based on the determined positioning of the user with respect to the platform 101, an angle sensor monitors angle of the user with respect to the platform 101 in synced with the imaging unit 103. Based on the detected angle of the user with respect to the platform 101, the motorized grid shaped sliding unit 104 with an inverted U-shaped structure 105 is actuated by the microcontroller to translate the structure 105 along the sliding unit 104 at the user-specified orientation with respect to the user. Further, the linear actuator 106 is activated by the microcontroller to extend/retract for positioning the panel 108 at the user-specified orientation with respect to the user. Upon the user strikes the soccer ball over the stretchable fabric 109, the accelerometer determines velocity of ball with respect to the platform 101 in sync with the imaging unit 103. The speaker 107 is actuated by the microcontroller to produce audio notification for the user regarding preciseness of strike scored by the user.

[0033] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An adaptable soccer practice assistive device, comprising:

i) a platform 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface, wherein a touch interactive display panel 102 is arranged on said platform 101 that is accessed by a user for activating/de-activating said device;
ii) a communication module integrated with an inbuilt microcontroller for establishing a wireless connection between said microcontroller and a computing unit that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding angles at which soccer is to be practiced, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 is installed on said platform 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said platform 101, respectively to determine positioning of said user with respect to said platform 101 ;
iii) an angle sensor integrated on said platform 101 and synced with said imaging unit 103 for monitoring angle of said user with respect to said platform 101, wherein a motorized grid shaped sliding unit 104 is integrated on said platform 101 and mounted with an inverted U-shaped structure 105 that is actuated by said microcontroller to translate said structure 105 along said sliding unit 104 at said user-specified orientation with respect to said user;
iv) a panel 108 arranged on top portion of said structure 105 that is established in front of said user, followed by actuation of a linear actuator 106 integrated in said structure 105 to extend/retract for positioning said panel 108 at said user-specified orientation with respect to said user, wherein said panel 108 is integrated with a stretchable fabric 109 over which said user strikes a soccer ball; and
v) a speaker 107 arranged on said platform 101 that is actuated by said microcontroller to produce audio notification for said user regarding preciseness of strike scored by said user, wherein details regarding said strike is notified to said user via said computing unit in order to allow said user to improve said user's performance in soccer.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an accelerometer is arranged on said platform 101 and synced with said imaging unit 103 for determining velocity of ball with respect to said platform 101.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with said platform 101 for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.

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